I have a suggestion. Pick your favorite "traditional image" and copy it. This process will help to limit what you need Photoshop to do for you. Learn to make marks that you already make. Without some limits photoshop can be overwhelming. What version of PhotoShop are you using?

Scott, what do you mean by my favorite traditional image? Like copy a hardcopy of a painting I like? I'm still using PS 6. I agree with you about some limits being good. I could use some brushes that give texture, though.